I nod. “Exactly. He definitely wants to incorporate it. We think it’d be great for the community, a perfect addition to Main Street’s charm.”

Vic, for once, plays along. “But of course, I want to make sure it aligns with city regulations. If it’s too complex to add, I completely understand.”

Jeff rubs his chin. “Actually, I think the approval board put that on our priority list for the third quarter planning review. It’s on our radar, but it’s not set in motion yet.”

Kendra waves a dismissive hand. “Oh, Jeff, you need to push that up for our new friends. Or rather, our dear old friend Kerry.”

I gush at that, shooting Vic a look as if to say, See? Some of us actually know how to make and keep connections.

Vic shakes his head with a humble chuckle, “Oh no, please don’t go out of your way on my account. I wouldn’t dare want my small request to take precedence.”

Liar.

Jeff waves him off. “No problem at all. I got you covered. Any friend of Kerry’s is a friend of mine. My knucklehead sons wouldn’t have made it to high school if it weren’t for her.”

Dinner goes well, and though a slight layer of tension still lingers between me and my fake-ass boyfriend, we’re just charming enough that no one notices.

However, there is one person who has the potential to ruin our evening.

“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my Kerry and the man who has no idea who he’s dating.”

Every muscle in my body locks up at the sound of that voice. The four of us look up, and there stands Cory. And beside him? A brooding, big-bellied man, already opening his mouth to say something disrespectful and downright disgusting.

“Well, Son,” he starts, smirking at Cory before leering down at me. “If I were blind, I’d wonder why you married such a useless woman, but my eyes always remind me why. Kerry, it’s good to see you… and even better to look at you.”

Then he licks his lips like I’m a piece of meat and my stomach turns. The way they look at me like I’m nothing makes my skin crawl. He wants me to feel small like I used to, but not anymore.

And Vic? Oh, he’s fuming. His entire body goes still, the kind of stillness that’s more dangerous than rage. His arm tightens around my shoulders, pulling me closer, sealing me into his space like a shield against them. His chest expands as he slowly sits up straight, broad, and imposing, with lethal energy rolling off him in waves.

When he speaks, his voice is low and controlled.

“Well, I’d stand up and introduce myself, but I see we aren’t showing respect this evening.” His sharp, deadly glare locks onto Cory’s with a quiet threat.